It was March of 1945 when Livingston had its first livestock show. Now, 71 years later, the tradition continues. The Trinity-Neches FFA and 4H Livestock Show and Rodeo, which was founded by J.E. Seamans in 1945, is an organization that has under gone changes that has made it a success.

 

The livestock show is an organization of the FFA and 4H students. The name Trinity-Neches Livestock Show originated from the fact that all the FFA and 4H clubs in between the Trinity River and Neches River participated in. The first year the show was held on the grounds of the Livingston Gin Company. Fourteen boys showed pigs and chickens.

 

In 1946, contestants from Corrigan and Chester participated and the show was moved to the fairgrounds.

 

In 1948, Goodrich students joined the show. The same year, the show featured an auction sale.

 

In 1947, a carnival was added to the event; changing the show to a two day event. The same year, the market steer show was started.

 

In 1950, the name of the show was changed to “The Trinity-Neches FFA and 4H Club Livestock Show.

 

In 1951, the first rodeo began with a record crowd of over three thousand people. The sweetheart contest started this year and fourteen girls participated this year.

 

In 1952, five new clubs entered the show. They were Woodville, Shepherd, Coldspring, Spurger, and Colmesneil. For the next few years, there were no major changes.

 

In 1978, a livestock judging contest was added along with stall awards, the market steer rate of gain award, and the meat pen rabbits.

 

In 1984, No Pass No Play had a dramatic effect on the number of exhibitors. Dairy goats were added to the show.

 

In 1989, the market lamb show was added.

 

In 1992, the show was opened to all exhibitors with breeding animals.

 

In 1993, the Home Economics Youth Fair was added.

 

In 1995, the first commercial heifer show.

 

Throughout the years, the changes that have been made have helped to create a successful show. The people who run the show have contributed in previous years to ensure this Polk County tradition in agricultural education continues.